Resisted Sprint Research Articles

Jump Squat Vs. Resisted Sprint Training Programs Applied to Elite Youth Soccer Players: Effects on Sprint and Power-Related Performance.

Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Mercer, VP, Oliveira, LP, Zanetti, V, Lima, L, Bastos, T, Moura, TBMA, and McGuigan, MR. Jump squat vs. resisted sprint training programs applied to elite youth soccer players: effects on sprint and power-related performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effectiveness of 2 different and widely used training programs on the sprint and power-related performance of youth soccer players. Two distinct training strategies-vertically oriented jump squats (JSs) or horizontally oriented resisted sprints (RSs)-were executed under the same absolute loading conditions (i.e., 30% of the athletes' body mass [BM]) during a 4-week preseason period. Training schemes, loading intensities (based on %BM), and the number of experimental sessions were designed in conjunction with the soccer club's coaching staff, considering the calendar, available resources, and regular training programs. Twenty-five under-17 soccer players performed a series of speed, power, and jump tests before and after 10 resisted training sessions, consisting solely of loaded JS or RS. Overall, neither group (i.e., JS or RS training groups) exhibited any improvement in linear sprint and change-of-direction (COD) speed. Conversely, vertical jumping ability and peak velocity in the loaded JS increased significantly only in the JS group, which may positively affect players' performance and training prescription during short soccer preseasons. Given the challenges in enhancing sprint speed among soccer players during preseasons (and even over the competitive season), coupled with the limited effectiveness of RS in improving sprinting, COD, and jumping capabilities within congested and short training phases (i.e., ≤4 weeks), the regular use of RS training methods during these phases may be highly questionable. Coaches should carefully consider these critical limitations and potential disadvantages when designing neuromuscular training programs for soccer players during the preparatory phases of the annual training season.

Effect of Resisted Sprint Training on Lower Limb Performance in Amateur Cricket Batsmen

Background: Enhancing strength and sprint performance with reduced injury risk involves plyometric and resistance sprint training. Improved physical fitness is crucial for developing technical skills and motor competence, essential for explosive leg power and functional performance. Tailored training regimens targeting specific movements boost explosive strength. In a 50-meter sprint competition, phases for acceleration and maximum speed are vital, requiring quick spurts. Fast bowlers and batsmen should prioritize upper body acceleration for optimal performance. Acceleration is key in both sprinting and cricket, emphasizing the importance of targeted training to enhance overall athletic ability and minimize injury risk. Objective: To find out the effects of resisted sprint training among amateur cricket batsmen player Methodology: The study received Institutional Ethical Approval, and consent was obtained from all 40 participants. They were screened and recruited based on selection criteria, then randomly allocated into Group A (n=20) and Group B (n=20). The exercise program involved 30-minute sessions, three times per week, over six weeks Result: The experimental group (Group A) showed significant improvement in lower limb performance (p < 0.0001) with resisted sprint training. However, there was no significant difference observed in the conventional group when comparing between groups (p < 0.7755). Conclusion: The study concludes that resisted sprint training is effective in improving lower limb performance in amateur cricket batsmen.

Effects of Combined Uphill-Downhill Sprinting Versus Resisted Sprinting Methods on Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Two specific sprint training methods that are present to varying degrees in research and practice are combined uphill-downhill sprinting (UDS) and resisted sprint training methods (RS). Both methods seem to improve sprint performance, but to the author's knowledge a comparison does not exist investigating the differences between the two training protocols and traditional sprinting. The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated sprint performance changes between combined uphill-downhill sprinting and resisted sprinting methods (sleds, cables/bands, vests, uphill) and how these compared with traditional sprinting. A literature search was performed on 19 December 2022, in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and SCOPUS, which from 22 studies yielded a total of 24 eligible groups (UDS, n = 6; RS, n = 18). Studies that measured sprint performance, had a traditional sprinting control, and used either training intervention in healthy individuals of any age for ≥ 4weeks were eligible for the meta-analysis. The change in sprint performance from baseline to post intervention was compared between the interventions and their traditional sprinting control group. Outcomes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD). The standardized changes in sprint performance between intervention groups and traditional-sprinting controls (negative in favour of intervention, positive in favour of traditional sprint) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were as follows: small for UDS (SMD - 0.41 [- 0.79, - 0.03]; p = 0.03), trivial for RS (SMD - 0.14 [- 0.36, 0.07]; p = 0.19). Combined uphill-downhill sprinting was more effective than traditional sprinting, while resisted sprinting was not. It appears that resisted sprint interventions do not increase sprint performance any more than traditional sprinting. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression appear to show differences between sled loads and possible differences across distances tested. The results of this review and meta-analysis seem to warrant further investigations into the possibility that UDS may be a superior sprint training method to resisted and traditional sprinting.

Assessing the rate of torque development in sprint cycling: a methodological study

ABSTRACT The present study examined (i) the magnitude of the rate of torque development (RTD) and (ii) the between-day reliability of RTD at the start of a cycling sprint when sprint resistance, sprint duration, and the pedal downstroke were altered. Nineteen well-trained cyclists completed one familiarisation and three testing sessions. Each session involved one set of 1-s sprints and one set of 5-s sprints. Each set contained one moderate (0.3 N m kg−1), one heavy (0.6 N m kg−1), and one very heavy (1.0 N m kg−1) resistance sprint. RTD measures (average and peak RTD, RTD 0–100 ms, and RTD 0–200 ms) were calculated for downstroke 1 in the 1-s sprint. For the 5-s sprints, RTD measures were calculated for each of the first three downstrokes, as an average of downstrokes 1 and 2, and as an average of downstrokes 2 and 3. Whilst RTDs were greatest in downstroke 3 at all resistances, the greatest number of reliable RTD measures were obtained using the average of downstrokes 2 and 3 with heavy or very heavy resistances, where average and peak RTD, and RTD 0–200 ms were deemed reliable (ICC ≥ 0.8, CV ≤ 10%). Since only 1–2 downstrokes can be completed within 1 s, the greatest RTD reliability cannot be achieved using a 1-s sprint; therefore, the average of downstrokes 2 and 3 during a >2-s cycling sprint (e.g. 5-s test) with heavy or very heavy resistance is recommended for the assessment of RTD in sprint cyclists. Highlights Whilst RTD measures were greatest in pedal downstroke 3 at all resistances, the greatest number of reliable RTD measures were obtained using the average of pedal downstrokes 2 and 3 with heavy or very heavy resistances, with average and peak RTD, and RTD 0–200 ms having acceptable reliability. RTD 0–100 ms and all RTD measurements for downstroke 1 were not reliable and should not be used. As only 1–2 downstrokes can be performed in 1 s, the greatest RTD reliability cannot be achieved using a 1-s sprint. Instead, RTD may be evaluated using a 5-s sprint.

Effects of Vest and Sled Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance in Young Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Fernández-Galván, LM, Casado, A, García-Ramos, A, and Haff, GG. Effects of vest and sled resisted sprint training on sprint performance in young soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 2023-2034, 2022-The aim of the meta-analysis was to determine the effect of resisted sprint training (RST) on sprint performance in young (<20 years) soccer players and to analyze whether the training equipment (sled or vest) and magnitude of the resistive load (above or below 20% of body mass [BM]) influences the long-term adaptations in sprint performance. Resisted sprint training reduced the acceleration phase time [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.41], with greater reduction in sprint time occurring in response to applying resistance with a vest (SMD = -0.70) when compared with a sled (SMD = -0.27). Similar reductions were determined for resistive loads <20% (SMD = -0.55) and ≥20% of BM (SMD = -0.31). Full sprint time showed a small reduction after RST (SMD = -0.36), regardless of the training equipment (sled: SMD = -0.44; vest: SMD = -0.26) and resistive load (<20% of BM: SMD = -0.40 ≥ 20% of BM: SMD = -0.21). There was a small and nonsignificant reduction in the maximum-velocity phase after RST (SMD = -0.25), which was comparable when the training was performed with vest (SMD = -0.34) or sled (SMD = -0.22). No significant differences in the changes of the acceleration phase time (SMD = 0.05) or full sprint time (SMD = 0.08) were observed between the experimental (sled or vest RST) and control groups (only soccer or unresisted sprint training). In conclusion, RST is effective to improve sprint performance in young soccer players, but the improvements are not superior to unresisted sprint training.

Resisted sprint training with partner towing improves explosive force and sprint performance in young soccer players - a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of non-resisted (NRS) and partner-towing resisted (RS) sprint training on legs explosive force, sprint performance and sprint kinematic parameters. Sixteen young elite soccer players (age 16.6 ± 0.2 years, height 175.6 ± 5.7 cm, and body mass 67.6 ± 8.2 kg) were randomly allocated to two training groups: resisted sprint RS (n = 7) and non-resisted sprint NRS (n = 9). The RS group followed a six-week sprint training programme consisting of two “sprint training sessions” per week in addition to their usual soccer training. The NRS group followed a similar sprint training programme, replicating the distances of sprints but without any added resistance. All players were assessed before and after training: vertical and horizontal jumping (countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and 5-jump test (5JT)), 30 m sprint performance (5, 10, and 20 m split times), and running kinematics (stride length and frequency). In the RS group significant (p < 0.05) changes were: decreased sprint time for 0–5 m, 0–10 m and 0–30 m (-6.31, -5.73 and -2.00%; effect size (ES) = 0.70, 1.00 and 0.41, respectively); higher peak jumping height (4.23% and 3.59%; ES = 0.35 and 0.37, for SJ and CMJ respectively); and 5JT (3.10%; ES = 0.44); and increased stride frequency (3.96%; ES = 0.76). In the NRS group, significant (p < 0.05) changes were: decreased sprint time at 0–30 m (-1.34%, ES = 0.33) and increased stride length (1.21%; ES = 0.17). RS training (partner towing) for six weeks in young soccer players showed more effective performances in sprint, stride frequency and lower-limb explosive force, while NRS training improved sprint performance at 0–30 m and stride length. Consequently, coaches and physical trainers should consider including RS training as part of their sprint training to ensure optimal sprint performance.

Effect of Resisted Sprint versus Plyometric Training on Leg Strength of Male Sprinters

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of resisted sprint (RS) versus plyometric training (PT) on the leg strength of male sprinters. To achieve the purpose of the study the researcher selected thirty intercollegiate level male sprinters as subjects. They were divided into three equal groups of ten sprinters. Group-I performed RS training (n = 10), Group-II performed PT (n = 10), and Group-III acted as control (n = 10). The age of the selected subjects was ranged from 18 to 22 years. The statistical procedure was “t-test” and percentage changes were used Further, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the significant difference existing between pretest and posttest on stride frequency. When the obtained “F ratio” value in the ANCOVA test was significant the Scheffe’s test was applied as a post hoc test to determine the paired mean differences if any. The results showed that twelve weeks of RS and PT considerably improved the leg strength of the male sprinters, whereas PT was significantly better than RS training. The result produced a 3.71% percentage of changes in leg strength due to RS training and 7.44% of changes due to PT.

Wearable resistance sprint running is superior to training with no load for retaining performance in pre-season training for rugby athletes

This study determined the effects of a six-week lower-limb wearable resistance training (WRT) intervention on sprint running time, velocity, and horizontal force-velocity mechanical variables. Twenty-two collegiate/semi-professional rugby athletes completed pre- and post-intervention testing of three maximal effort 30 m sprints. A radar device was used to measure sprint running velocity from which horizontal force-velocity mechanical profiling variables were calculated. All athletes completed two dedicated sprint training sessions a week for six-weeks during pre-season. The intervention (wearable resistance, WR) group completed the sessions with 1% body mass load attached to the left and right shanks (i.e. 0.50% body mass load on each limb), whilst the control group completed the same sessions unloaded. For the control group, all variables were found to detrain significantly (p ≤ 0.05) over the training period with large detraining effects (ES > 0.80) for theoretical maximal horizontal force, slope of the force-velocity profile, maximal ratio of force, index of force application, 5 and 10 m times. For the WR group, there were no significant changes to any recorded variables (all p > 0.05) and all effects of training were trivial or small (ES < 0.50). After adjustment for baseline differences, significant between group differences were found for all variables (large effects, ES > 0.80) except theoretical maximal velocity, 30 m time, and maximal velocity. The addition of light wearable resistance to sprint training during a six-week pre-season block enables the maintenance of sprint performance and mechanical output qualities that otherwise would detrain due to inadequate training frequencies.

Effects of Resisted Vs. Conventional Sprint Training on Physical Fitness in Young Elite Tennis Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 6-week resisted sprint (RST) versus conventional (unresisted) sprint training (CG) on sprint time, change of direction (COD) speed, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and jump performance (countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ)) in male young tennis players. Twenty players (age: 16.5 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 72.2 ± 5.5 kg; body height: 180.6 ± 4.6 cm) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: RST (n = 10) and CG (n = 10). The training program was similar for both groups consisting of acceleration and deceleration exercises at short distances (3-4 m), and speed and agility drills. The RST group used weighted vests or elastic cords during the exercises. After 6 weeks of intervention, both training regimes resulted in small-to-moderate improvements in acceleration and sprint ability (5, 10, 20 m), SLJ and CMJ performances, COD pivoting on both, the non-dominant (moderate effect) and the dominant (small effect) foot, and the percentage of decrement (small effects) during a RSA test. Between-group comparisons showed that the SLJ (Δ = 2.0%) and 5 m sprint time (Δ = 1.1%) improved more in the RST group compared with the CG group. This study showed that 6 weeks of RST or unresisted training are time-efficient training regimes for physical improvements in young male tennis players.

Muscle Activity, Leg Stiffness, and Kinematics During Unresisted and Resisted Sprinting Conditions.

Zabaloy, S, Carlos-Vivas, J, Freitas, TT, Pareja-Blanco, F, Loturco, I, Comyns, T, Gálvez-González, J, and Alcaraz, PE. Muscle activity, leg stiffness and kinematics during unresisted and resisted sprinting conditions. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1839-1846, 2022-This study aimed to compare muscle activity, leg stiffness, and kinematics (contact and flight time [FT], stride length and frequency, and trunk angle [TA]) of unloaded sprinting to resisted sprint (RST) using different loads. Twelve male rugby players (age: 23.5 ± 5.1 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.04 m; body mass 82.5 ± 13.1 kg) performed 30-m sprints using different loading conditions (0, 10, 30 and 50% of velocity loss-Vloss-from the maximum velocity reached under unloaded condition). Muscle activity from 4 muscles (biceps femoris long head, rectus femoris [RF], gluteus medius and gastrocnemius), leg stiffness (Kleg), and kinematics were measured during the acceleration and maximum velocity (Vmax) phases of each sprint. Heavier loads led to significantly lower biceps femoris long head activation and higher rectus femoris activity (p < 0.01-0.05). Significant reductions in Kleg were observed as loading increased (p < 0.001-0.05). Kinematic variables showed substantial changes with higher loads during the acceleration and Vmax phase. In conclusion, the heavier the sled load, the higher the disruptions in muscle activity, Kleg, and kinematics. When coaches and practitioners intend to conduct resisted sprint training sessions without provoking great disruptions in sprint technique, very-heavy sled loads (greater than 30% Vloss) should be avoided. However, heavy sled loads may allow athletes to keep specific positions of the early acceleration phase for longer time intervals (i.e., first 2-3 strides during unresisted sprints).

Individual Adaptation Kinetics Following Heavy Resisted Sprint Training.

Morin, JB, Capelo-Ramirez, F, Rodriguez-Pérez, MA, Cross, MR, and Jimenez-Reyes, P. Individual adaptation kinetics following heavy resisted sprint training. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1158-1161, 2022-The aim of this study was to test individual adaptation kinetics to a high-resistance sprint training program designed to improve maximal horizontal power (Pmax), and compare the group and individual results of a classical "pre-post" analysis, and a "pre-peak" approach. Thirteen male and 9 female trained sprinters had their 30-m sprint performance and mechanical outputs assessed 1 week before (PRE), and one (POST, W1), 2 (W2), 3 (W3) and 4 (W4) weeks after a 10-week training block (10 repetitions of 20-m resisted sprints at the load associated to the apex of their velocity-power relationship: i.e., 90 ± 10% body mass on average (range: 75-112%). We observed clearly different outcomes on all variables for the PRE-POST vs. PRE-PEAK analyses. The PRE-PEAK analysis showed a larger (almost double) increase in Pmax (9.98 ± 5.27% on average, p < 0.01) than the PRE-POST (5.39 ± 5.87%, p < 0.01). Individual kinetics of post-training adaptations show that peak values were not captured in the POST (W1) assessment (generally observed at W3 and W4). Finally, the week of greatest Pmax output differed strongly among subjects, with most subjects (7/22) peaking at W4. In conclusion, after a 10-week high-resistance sprint training block, a classical 1-week-PRE to 1-week-POST assessment could not capture peak adaptation, which differed among athletes. Adopting a similar approach in practice or research should improve insight into the true effects of training stimuli on athletic capabilities.

Effects of Different Conditioning Activities on 100-m Dash Performance in High School Track and Field Athletes.

This study compared the effects of different conditioning activities on the 100-m dash performance of 11 male, high school track and field athletes (mean age = 16.3; SD = 1.2 years). Participants performed a 100-m dash seven minutes after each of four randomized conditioning protocols, with each condition and 100-m dash separated by 3-10 days. The conditioning protocols were (a) control, no conditioning activity; (b) weighted plyometric, three sets of 10 repetitions of alternate leg bounding with additional load of 10% of the body mass; (c) free sprint, two 20-m sprints; and (d) resisted sprint (RS), two 20-m resisted sprints using an elastic tubing tool. We obtained session ratings of perceived exertion (SRPE) immediately after each conditioning protocol. There were no significant differences between any of the three experimental conditioning activities on 100-m sprint time, but the RS protocol improved 100-m sprint time compared with the control (no conditioning) protocol ( p < .001). The RS also led to greater sprint velocity and higher SRPE compared with the control condition ( p < .01). There was no significant association between SRPE and 100-m performance ( p = .77, r = .05). These results suggest a benefit for young male track and field athletes to the elastic tubing warm-up activities prior to the 100-m dash.

Effects of Resisted Sprint Training and Traditional Power Training on Sprint, Jump, and Balance Performance in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Power training programs have proved to be effective in improving components of physical fitness such as speed. According to the concept of training specificity, it was postulated that exercises must attempt to closely mimic the demands of the respective activity. When transferring this idea to speed development, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of resisted sprint (RST) vs. traditional power training (TPT) on physical fitness in healthy young adults. Thirty-five healthy, physically active adults were randomly assigned to a RST (n = 10, 23 ± 3 years), a TPT (n = 9, 23 ± 3 years), or a passive control group (n = 16, 23 ± 2 years). RST and TPT exercised for 6 weeks with three training sessions/week each lasting 45–60 min. RST comprised frontal and lateral sprint exercises using an expander system with increasing levels of resistance that was attached to a treadmill (h/p/cosmos). TPT included ballistic strength training at 40% of the one-repetition-maximum for the lower limbs (e.g., leg press, knee extensions). Before and after training, sprint (20-m sprint), change-of-direction speed (T-agility test), jump (drop, countermovement jump), and balance performances (Y balance test) were assessed. ANCOVA statistics revealed large main effects of group for 20-m sprint velocity and ground contact time (0.81 ≤ d ≤ 1.00). Post-hoc tests showed higher sprint velocity following RST and TPT (0.69 ≤ d ≤ 0.82) when compared to the control group, but no difference between RST and TPT. Pre-to-post changes amounted to 4.5% for RST [90%CI: (−1.1%;10.1%), d = 1.23] and 2.6% for TPT [90%CI: (0.4%;4.8%), d = 1.59]. Additionally, ground contact times during sprinting were shorter following RST and TPT (0.68 ≤ d ≤ 1.09) compared to the control group, but no difference between RST and TPT. Pre-to-post changes amounted to −6.3% for RST [90%CI: (−11.4%;−1.1%), d = 1.45) and −2.7% for TPT [90%CI: (−4.2%;−1.2%), d = 2.36]. Finally, effects for change-of-direction speed, jump, and balance performance varied from small-to-large. The present findings indicate that 6 weeks of RST and TPT produced similar effects on 20-m sprint performance compared with a passive control in healthy and physically active, young adults. However, no training-related effects were found for change-of-direction speed, jump and balance performance. We conclude that both training regimes can be applied for speed development.

The effects of resisted sprint vs. plyometric training on sprint performance and repeated sprint ability during the final weeks of the youth soccer season

Summary Introduction Starter players experience a sprint speed drop of up to 4.3% at the end of the soccer season. Players must therefore perform specific types of training, such as resisted sprint (RS) and plyometric (PT) training, to avoid decrements and improve sprint performance. However, studies so far have neither tested the efficiency of RS or PT in improving sprint performance and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of soccer players at the end of the season, or compared these training methods to discover which is more effective. The aims of this study were to verify and compare the effectiveness of seven-week RS and PT training in improving the sprint performance and RSA of young soccer players at the end of the season. Summary of facts and results Twenty under-17 players participated in the study (16.6 ± 0.6 years; 68.7 ± 9.2 kg and 175.0 ± 7.1 cm). Players performed additionally to soccer training, RS (n = 9) or PT (n = 11) training twice a week. The RS consisted of 4 sprint exercises with sled loads (10–13% body mass), while the PT consisted of 4 jump exercises. Sprint times were assessed before and after the training period using a sprint (0–30 m) and RSA test. RS induced greater improvements in sprint time than PT, amounting to 0–30 m ([Cohen's d effect size {d} = 0.37] vs. [d = −0.17]; RSAbest [d = 0.73] vs. [d = −0.21] and RSAmean [d = 0.95] vs. [d = 0.16]), respectively. Conclusion RS is slightly better than PT for avoiding decrements and improving sprint performance and RSA abilities at the end of the season.

The effects of a postactivation potentiation warm-up on subsequent sprint performance

PurposeMany strength and conditioning professionals propose that postactivation potentiation (PAP) warm-ups enhance power performance although there are few studies conducted in this regard on sprinting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a PAP warm-up on sprint performance.MethodsTwenty-four men and women completed a 40-yard (yd) sprint pretest on four nonconsecutive days followed by a PAP warm-up that included a sled resistance sprint at either 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of their body mass and concluded with a 40-yd dash posttest. Each resistance sprint was recorded for kinematic analysis.ResultsA 2 × 2 × 4 factorial mixed ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between sexes in 40-yd dash times (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). A significant main effect was found in pre- and post-40-yd dash measures regardless of sex (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). The results indicated no significant differences in the post-40-yd dash times between sled loads and the load by time interaction. The participants’ 40-yd dash times improved 1.2% on average after the 10% load. Improvements in dash time for the 0%, 20%, and 30% loads were greater than 2%. Sprint kinematics analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences between lighter and heavier loads.ConclusionsRegardless of the significant disruptions in sprint mechanics, there appears to be a potential for heavier sled resistances to affect acute improvements in 40-yd sprint performance. However, it is unclear whether heavier sleds loads may provide greater benefit than warming up with 0% resistance.

Quantifying Training Load for Free Sprint, Resisted Sprint, Plyometrics and Weights Training with Session-RPE in Field Sport Athletes

Session ratings of perceived exertion (session-RPE) are used to assess global training intensity for team sports. Internal training load can be calculated by multiplying session-RPE by the training session duration. There is little information regarding quantifying training load for protocols designed to improve speed. This is pertinent for field sport athletes (e.g. football players), as speed and acceleration are vital physical attributes. PURPOSE: To determine the intensity of free sprint (FST), resisted sprint (RST), plyometrics (PT) and weights (WT) training programs designed to improve acceleration in field sport athletes by using session-RPE. METHODS: 35 field sport-active men were randomly allocated into 4 groups matched by 10m velocity. Training between protocols was coordinated by duration and progressively overloaded, and involved 2 1-hour sessions per week for 6 weeks. The FST and RST groups used the same program, with the RST group towing a load that caused a 10% velocity drop. The plyometrics and weights programs were matched by similar exercises. Subjects noted session-RPE 30 minutes post-training using the Borg CR-10 scale. RESULTS: Paired samples t-tests found significant (p≤.05) within-group changes in velocity and session-RPE, and one-way ANOVA found significant between-group differences. Each group significantly increased 0–10m velocity by 5–7%, with no differences between groups. Using the Borg CR-10 scale as a reference, the mean session-RPE for the FST group ranged from Somewhat Hard to Hard (4–5); for the RST group from Moderate to Somewhat Hard (3–4); for the PT group from Moderate to Hard (3–5); and for the WT group around Very Hard (7–8). The WT group had significantly higher session-RPE when compared to the FST, RST and PT groups. There were no significant differences in session-RPE between the FST, RST and PT groups. Session-RPE increased over the study period for all groups as training intensified. Conclusion: The results from the current study indicate that session-RPE can assess speed training intensity. Session-RPE is mode-dependent, and acceleration can improve for sprint and plyometrics training at a relatively lower intensity when compared to weights. Nonetheless, the intensity of each protocol was sufficient to improve sprint performance as each group increased 0–10m velocity. Furthermore, the rise in session-RPE across the training period for all groups indicated progressive overload. As there were no significant differences in session-RPE between the FST, RST and PT groups, it can be stated that each mode had a similar intensity. The long recoveries present in sprinting and plyometrics, in conjunction with short activity durations, would contribute to lower session-RPE as the effects of fatigue contributing to perceived exertion are lowered. The nature of strength training (lifting heavy loads near maximum levels) explains why session-RPE for the WT group was greater. However, the primary purpose of weights training is not just to increase running speed; other benefits (e.g. increased sport-specific strength) will also occur. Practical Applications: The session-RPE values recorded from the protocols in this study could be applied when calculating internal training load for periodised training programs for field sport athletes. If speed development is a primary focus, free sprint, resisted sprint and plyometrics training can enhance 0-10m velocity at a relatively lower intensity when compared to weights.

Complex Training in Ice Hockey: The Effects of a Heavy Resisted Sprint on Subsequent Ice-Hockey Sprint Performance

The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effect of a heavy resisted sprint when used as a preload exercise to enhance subsequent 25-m on-ice sprint performance. Eleven competitive ice-hockey players (mean ± SD: Age = 22.09 ± 3.05 years; Body Mass = 83.47 ± 11.7 kg; Height = 1.794 ± 0.060 m) from the English National League participated in a same-subject repeated-measures design, involving 2 experimental conditions. During condition 1, participants performed a 10-second heavy resisted sprint on ice. Condition 2 was a control, where participants rested. An electronically timed 25-m sprint on ice was performed before and 4 minutes after each condition. The results indicated no significant difference (p = 0.176) between pre (3.940 + 0.258 seconds) and post (3.954 + 0.261 seconds) sprint times in the control condition. The intervention condition, however, demonstrated a significant 2.6% decrease in times (p = 0.02) between pre (3.950 + 0.251 seconds) and post (3.859 + 0.288 seconds) test sprints. There was also a significant change (p = 0.002) when compared to the times of the control condition. These findings appear to suggest that the intensity and duration of a single resisted sprint in this study are sufficient to induce an acute (after 4 minutes of rest) improvement in 25-m sprint performance on ice. For those athletes wishing to improve skating speed, heavy resisted sprints on ice may provide a biomechanically suitable exercise for inducing potentiation before speed training drills.

The Impact of Lower Extremity Mass and Inertia Manipulation on Sprint Kinematics

Resistance sprint training is a sprint-specific training protocol commonly employed by athletes and coaches to enhance sprint performance. This research quantified the impact of lower extremity mass and inertia manipulation on key temporal and kinematic variables associated with sprint performance. A 3-dimensional analysis of 40 m sprinting was conducted on 8 elite sprinters under normal conditions and resisted sprint training. Results of the study showed that lower extremity additional mass training (at 10% individual segment weight) led to a significant reduction in sprint time for both the 10-m to 20-m and the 30-m to 40-m splits and the total 40 m measure. The stride velocity throughout the 20-m to 30-m phase of the sprint trials was also shown to be significantly reduced in the lower extremity mass and inertia manipulation condition. Importantly, no significant differences were observed across the remaining spatiotemporal variables of stride length, stride frequency, total stride time, and ground contact time. For coaches and athletes, the addition of specific lower extremity mass could improve the athlete's sprint performance without any measured effect on the technique of highly trained elite sprinters.

THE EFFECTS OF RESISTED SPRINT TRAINING ON ACCELERATION PERFORMANCE AND KINEMATICS IN SOCCER,RUGBY UNION, AND AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Acceleration is a significant feature of game-deciding situations in the various codes of football. However little is known about the acceleration characteristics of football players, the effects of acceleration training, or the effectiveness of different training modalities. This study examined the effects of resisted sprint (RS) training (weighted sled towing) on acceleration performance (0-15 m), leg power (countermovement jump [CMJ], 5-bound test [5BT], and 50-cm drop jump [50DJ]), gait (foot contact time, stride length, stride frequency, step length, and flight time), and joint (shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee) kinematics in men (N = 30) currently playing soccer, rugby union, or Australian football. Gait and kinematic measurements were derived from the first and second strides of an acceleration effort. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment conditions: (a) 8-week sprint training of two 1-h sessions x wk(-1) plus RS training (RS group, n = 10), (b) 8-week nonresisted sprint training program of two 1-h sessions x wk(-1) (NRS group, n = 10), or (c) control (n = 10). The results indicated that an 8-week RS training program (a) significantly improves acceleration and leg power (CMJ and 5BT) performance but is no more effective than an 8-week NRS training program, (b) significantly improves reactive strength (50DJ), and (c) has minimal impact on gait and upper- and lower-body kinematics during acceleration performance compared to an 8-week NRS training program. These findings suggest that RS training will not adversely affect acceleration kinematics and gait. Although apparently no more effective than NRS training, this training modality provides an overload stimulus to acceleration mechanics and recruitment of the hip and knee extensors, resulting in greater application of horizontal power.